Approved By the World Health Org



Valacyclovir (Valtrex) is an antiviral.

Use Valacyclovir (Valtrex) exactly as directed.

Drinking extra fluids while you are taking Valacyclovir (Valtrex) is recommended.

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

Diarrhea; dizziness; headache; nausea; stomach pain; vomiting

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); aggressive behavior; bloody or dark urine; confusion; fever; hallucinations; pale skin; pinpoint bruises; seizures; shaky movements; speech problems; unsteady movement; weakness; yellowing of the skin or eyes.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider.

No specific interactions with Valacyclovir (Valtrex) are known at this time.

Ask your health care provider if Valacyclovir (Valtrex) may interact with other medicines that you take.

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

if you have had a bone marrow or kidney transplant

if you have HIV or AIDS

if you have kidney problems

Do not take double doses to make up for a missed dose.

Valacyclovir (Valtrex) is used in patients with normal immune systems to treat herpes zoster infections or treat/suppress genital herpes.

Valacyclovir (Valtrex) may also be used for herpes simplex or other conditions as determined by your doctor.

STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature away from heat and light.

Safer sex practices can lower the chances of passing genital herpes to your partner.

Do not have sexual contact with your partner when you have any symptoms or outbreak of genital herpes.

Use a condom made of latex or polyurethane whenever you have sexual contact.

If you have any questions about Valacyclovir (Valtrex), please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.